Frequently Asked Service Questions

Find Answers to Your
Service-Related Questions at North Reading Subaru

Here at North Reading Subaru, we
get a lot of service-related questions from our customers who want to know more
about what goes on under the hood, why certain services are necessary, what
they're for, and how often specific maintenance items should be taken care of.
If you have a question about service or parts, there's a good chance you're not
the first to have such a query! To help drivers like you stay well-informed so
you can provide your vehicle with the care it requires to stay in tip-top
shape, we keep a list of some of our frequently-asked
questions so you can have easy access to the answers you need.

Take a moment to look through our
FAQs and reach out to us at our Subaru dealership in North Reading serving
Boston; Belmont, MA; Lawrence, MA; and Medford, MA if you have any other
questions!

Q: How often should I
get an oil change?

A: Generally, an oil change every
7,500 miles (or six months) or so will do the trick. Thanks to updated engine
and oil technology, modern vehicles don't need oil changes as frequently as
their ancestors, but it's still essential to keep up with them. Depending on
the type of vehicle you have and the conditions in which you typically drive,
your vehicle may need an oil change more or less often, so it's important to
check your owner's manual for specifics.

Q: When do I need a tire
rotation?

A: A good rule to live by is to
get a tire rotation whenever you get an oil change or every six months. You
owner's manual will likely have specifics regarding how often your specific
vehicle should have a tire rotation.

Q: Why do I need to
rotate my tires?

A: Your tires need adequate, even
tread for optimal traction and better handling, but they don't wear evenly on
their own. Your front tires tend to put in extra effort because they often do
most of the driving work and bear the extra weight of the engine, so they wear
faster as a result. Tire rotations switch your front and back tires so they do
equal work and wear evenly, helping you avoid the need to replace tires
prematurely.

Q: How do I know how
much air to put in my tires?

A: The recommended air pressure levels for
your tires can be found in a few places such as your owner's manual and driver's
side doorjamb. Proper tire pressure helps your vehicle operate in a safer, more
efficient manner and helps to keep your tires from wearing down too fast.

Q: How can I tell if my
brakes need to be replaced?

A: The best way to tell if your
brakes need service is to look and listen. Check your brake pads between your
vehicle's wheel spokes and make sure the pads still have at least a quarter of
an inch left. Any less than that and they should be replaced. Also, keep an ear
out for unusual sounds like squealing, grinding, and growling.

Q: How often does my
engine air filter need to be changed?

A: Many automakers list 30,000
miles for the recommended filter change, but you may need more frequent changes
if you drive in severe conditions. You can usually tell if your engine air
filter needs to be changed just by looking at it. If the area through which air
enters is black, it's time for a change.

Q: Why is my check
engine light on?

A: Your check engine light could
be on for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, it can be tricky to see what the
exact issue might be. Your car's issue could be as simple as a loose gas cap
that can be easily tightened or it could be a major problem that requires immediate
attention such as an issue with the catalytic converter. If your check engine
light turns on and stays on, the best course of action is to bring it to our
service center right away.

Q: Why should I use OEM
parts?

A: Original equipment
manufacturer parts are designed to provide your vehicle with a perfect fit,
they're backed by limited warranty coverage, and they eliminate the need to
spend time searching for and trying out parts.